Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Opening Doors to Early College

After registering for a day of college experiences at Chaminade University, twin brothers Lawrence and Andrew Robello sat patiently as other high school students trickled into Ching Hall for the third annual Early College Summit. The brothers say they felt genuinely welcomed by Chaminade. Seniors at St. Louis School, they are among the 92 high school students currently enrolled in the program’s fall 2025 term which culminated with the Summit on December 11th. 

“I like how the people are really welcoming here,” Lawrence says. “The college students don’t isolate us because we’re in high school but they welcome us in. If you also need help, the counselors, Ms. Kim (Baxter), Noe (Tugaoen), are there for support.” 

In addition to St. Louis School, students from Sacred Hearts Academy and Kapa’a High School attended the Summit that included interactive workshops and opportunities to connect with other students, Chaminade faculty, and Chaminade academic support programs. Students also engaged with peer mentors and participated in sessions on leadership, time management, and college selection, and were introduced to professors for their spring courses.

Students were impressed with tours of the dormitories, visits to the nursing labs and seeing the high-tech manikin (full-body patient simulator). A visit to the “Crime Scene” house with Professor Carlos Gutierrez of the school’s Forensic Sciences program was also a hit. Also on the day’s agenda: Discussions with Chaminade student-athletes on their athletic programs. Students also had the opportunity to speak with Chaminade admissions and the counseling center. 

“I love this program because it gets me ahead of the game and it opens doors for me, ” says Carlee Lomabita of Sacred Hearts Academy.

Chaminade University’s Early College Program allows high school students to earn college credit, as well as be eligible for high school credit. The program provides a college education to a diverse group of Hawai’i high school students, in line with the University’s mission to prepare leaders for tomorrow, ready to make impactful contributions to their communities and professions. 

Studies show that Early College students are better prepared for full-time college entry, college life and expectations. Students also tend to exhibit higher grade point averages, retention rates and graduation rates.

For more information on how to enroll in the Early College program at Chaminade, visit https://chaminade.edu/earlycollege/

Entrepreneurship Soars in Silversword Competition

In the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity, business and community leaders gathered in Chaminadeʻs Ching Conference Center on November 20 to hear and judge five student business pitches in the annual Silversword Business Competition. Director of Chaminadeʻs MBA Program, Masahisa “Masa” K. Yamaguchi, and Dean of the School of Business and Communication, Annette Taijeron Santos, as well as President Lynn Babington greeted guests. Program. 

As part of the Business Strategy Class in the School of Business and Communication, student businesses provided goods and services that ranged from  baked goods to menʻs hair cuts to fitness. All of the student presentations and business plans were well-done. 

1st Place: Open Oven – Team Members: Kyla Castro, Daniella Bali, Lrae Anne Pungtilan

2nd Place: C.U.H. Cuts – Team Members: Jace Tsutomi, Cade Fujii, Max Patterson

3rd Place: Fuel Soda – Team Members: Adrianna Nichols, Marianna Carpenter, Owen Malone

Wags for Wishes – Team Members: Isabella Minaudo, Nathan Medina, Delaney Poling

Step Wealth – Team Members: Eli Loebll, Kira Ferguson, Killen Kawelo

Following each presentation, judges asked students about their finance and marketing strategies as well as provided guidance and advice for their  emerging businesses. 

Judges included: Eric Fujimoto, MBA ʻ94 member of the Chaminade University Board of Regents and President of Hoʻea Wealth Advisory; Jerry Garcia ʻ82, former Chief Financial Officer of Aria Home Health in Dallas, Texas and and owner of Consolidated Sports Products Hawaii; Alana Iuga, co-owner of Voyage Rental Cars; Stacey Katakura, Chief Financial Officer of Accumulus: Lisa Kracher, Vice President at Array Corporation; Lori Lum, Senior Vice President at Anthology FINN Partners; and Tim Moore, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Hawaii at Republic National Distributing Company. 

Mahalo to all of the judges who shared their wisdom, insight and served as role models for students. Special thank you to Eric Fujimoto, MBA ʻ94 who provides the prize money to encourage students to gain real-world experience while applying what they’ve learned at Chaminade to an actual business plan.

Mom and Daughter Graduate on Same Day

Leila Morinaga and her daughter, Maelia Thomas, share a lot.

They both believe in hard work and they both have a passion for business and finance.

And at Chaminade’s Commencement on May 3, they both got to share the stage—accepting their respective degrees on the same memorable day. Morinaga graduated with her MBA and Thomas accepted her associate’s degree, earned through Chaminade’s Early College partnership with Sacred Hearts Academy.

She was among 17 Sacred Hearts students who completed their associate’s degrees this Spring—and part of the first cohort to achieve the milestone.

Maelia, 17 and a senior at Sacred Hearts, said her mother inspires her every day with her example.

For Morinaga, the feeling is mutual. She decided to go back to school and get her MBA after watching her daughter juggle the dual obligations of high school and college work.

“I’m just so glad that I get to share this special moment with her,” Morinaga said, before the Commencement ceremonies on May 3.

Added Maelia, “I’m really happy that I get to graduate with my mom. What really kept me going with this program was seeing my mom every night working on homework, staying up late. Seeing how she can do all this and still manage to get a master’s.”

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Morinaga is chief operating officer at KÉCO CAPITAL, an investment firm. She opted for Chaminade’s Professional MBA given her years of experience, and said she knew she’d made the right decision after meeting her fellow cohort members and professors.

“Everyone I’ve met in the program has been amazing,” she said. “They bring all kinds of strengths.”

She said networking was a weekly opportunity with her fellow students, executives from a diversity of fields. “Pharmacy, medical, tourism. It’s been very interesting to hear and see the way everyone works while we’re all trying to achieve the same goal,” Morinaga said.

Maelia said she decided to pursue the Early College program at Chaminade because of its cost-effectiveness, allowing her to graduate from high school with two years of college under her belt.

At Chaminade, she also found professors who challenged her to delve into ethics and social justice—topics that she believes will offer a strong foundation in her business career.

For now, though, her focus is on taking a moment to celebrate.

Her graduation party later in May will also mark another special occasion: Her 18th birthday.

Kristina Viloria, MEd 2018

How did your education here contribute to your professional success?

My education at Chaminade University of Honolulu played a significant role in my professional success, particularly in building my confidence and expertise in higher education. Entering the program, I felt some initial nervousness about the rigor of a master-level program. However, the supportive mentorship I received, coupled with assignments that were clearly aligned with the practical needs of developing my teaching pedagogy, quickly alleviated those concerns. These experiences not only enhanced my skills but also instilled in me a deeper understanding of effective teaching practices.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?

Two experiences from my time at Chaminade stand out as particularly impactful. First, my Special Education courses with Dr. Smith provided an invaluable bridge between theory and practice. Through activities like developing BSPs and role-playing IEP meetings, I was able to refine my skills under her expert guidance. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom; she even visited my class in ‘Aiea, creating a memorable experience for my students. Second, EDUC 643 with Kumu Keahi challenged me to rethink my approach to teaching English. This synchronous course prompted a deep reflection on my role as an indigenous educator and the importance of creating culturally relevant learning spaces for my Kanaka and Pacific Islander students. Both of these experiences, in different ways, significantly shaped my pedagogical approach and strengthened my commitment to culturally responsive teaching.

How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?

Despite my time at Chaminade being primarily online, I developed a strong sense of connection to the school and its community. This experience demonstrated the power of intentional design in fostering meaningful relationships, even in a virtual environment. It has broadened my perspective on what’s possible in online education and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of community in learning. I feel empowered to continue my education and professional development, knowing I have a supportive network and ongoing opportunities for growth.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Graduating from Chaminade opened doors to opportunities I didn’t foresee. The education I received provided a solid foundation that has allowed me to grow quickly in my career. I’ve focused my professional development in two key areas: curriculum development and leadership. On a daily basis, I’m involved in making decisions about curriculum, and I’ve also taken on leadership responsibilities within my school. This has required me to deepen my understanding of educational leadership principles and refine my decision-making skills. Furthermore, the connections I made through Chaminade have continued to be a valuable resource, expanding my professional network and providing ongoing support and mentorship.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My education in Instructional Leadership has profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth, leading to achievements I hadn’t initially imagined. The focus on responsive curriculum development provided a strong foundation for my work as an inclusion teacher in social studies and math. This experience then led me to become an Academic Coach, where I had the opportunity to mentor and influence other teachers’ curriculum design. Now, as a school principal, I have a broader platform to impact student learning, teacher pedagogy, and professional development. My confidence in designing relevant and challenging curriculum for all students has grown exponentially through these experiences.

Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and connections I’ve gained through Chaminade University of Honolulu. I’m proud to be a Silversword and believe my experiences there have prepared me well for this next step in my career.

Edgar Benavides Gonatice, MSCJ 2006

How did your education here contribute to your professional success?

As I started graduate school at Chaminade and started to learn and pass classes, my confidence also grew in my abilities and ambition. The sense of accomplishment and achievement has been the fuel to not only further my education and learning, but to also motivate and encourage others to do the same. I constantly remind my staff that I want to sustain a culture of ambition and continuous self-improvement. It’s a joy to see others win in education and life while making a difference in the world and their personal paths of life.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?

Managing time and setting a routine to study and learn were disciplines that I acquired while getting my graduate degree at Chaminade. I was able to not only work full time and live independently, but also ensure I scheduled time to study on campus and attend classes. As a young adult, I appreciated being around other like-minded scholars working hard at learning and achieving their goals. The environment at Chaminade was one where you were part of a community that valued education and were surrounded by others that held ambitions to be productive members of society.

How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?

The classes I took at Chaminade were led and facilitated by passionate educators with a heart to pour in and grow students. The same efforts extended to me as a student, I have been able to do as well in my role as an educator and administrator. It also has given me confidence in the ability to work on challenges, press on through to victory, and ensure I can apply learning in the environments I am placed in.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

I decided to attempt my PhD in Human Service with a focus on Criminal Justice shortly after graduation. After a brief two semesters, I focused on my career and young family as I brought them from the Philippines. A few years later we all moved to the mainland where we eventually landed in Texas. I had started my teaching certification and started on a path leading to a career in education. A few years later I obtained my principal’s certification and shortly was able to get hired as an assistant principal where I served for seven years. During that time, I continued to get my superintendent certification. I am currently finishing my third year as a building principal in Fort Worth, Texas. Although I have applied, and set up plans to obtain an EdD, I currently have not committed. Going back to finish a doctorate is a current goal that I hope to achieve soon.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

Continual growth is key. Learning new skills, pushing the tolerance of abilities, and building knowledge and wisdom from prior learning all have contributed to helping me be a more well rounded person that adds value to my family, my relationships, my community, and the other realms of influence I am a part of. Keeping a legacy mindset where I leave the world and relationships that I’ve established better than before is a motivational driver to continue to improve myself and give back to society. Higher education has equipped me to build my capacity and push my limits to not only do better for myself, but also be a positive role model to those around me.

Krys Zyak, MEd ’18, MBA ’19

How did your education here contribute to your professional success?

My education played a pivotal role in shaping my professional success by equipping me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. The academic environment fostered my ability to adapt to new challenges, which has been essential in my roles as a Project Manager, Instructional Designer, and in leadership positions like my current role as a Training Manager at Hawaiian Airlines. Through my education, I also developed a deep understanding of instructional design principles, which has been critical to creating engaging, learner-centered programs in both corporate and non-profit settings.
Additionally, the exposure to diverse subjects and collaborative projects during my education enhanced my communication and teamwork skills, preparing me to work effectively across industries. These competencies, combined with a continuous drive for learning, have allowed me to excel in complex, fast-paced environments, from designing training programs to leading teams in dynamic corporate settings like Hawaiian Airlines.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?

One of the most impactful experiences during my time pursuing my Master of Business was my involvement with the Hogan Entrepreneurs program. This program not only pushed me academically but also helped me develop a mindset of innovation and resilience, which has been invaluable throughout my career.
Working closely with the faculty involved in this program, I had the privilege of engaging in one-on-one discussions with some truly exceptional professors and mentors. These interactions went beyond the classroom, where faculty would challenge my thinking, encourage new ideas, and offer invaluable guidance on how to apply business concepts in real-world situations. Their personalized feedback and encouragement helped me build the confidence to take on leadership roles in my career, from managing complex projects to leading training initiatives.
The combination of the structured learning in the Hogan Entrepreneurs program and the personalized mentorship from faculty had a profound impact on my professional journey. It not only honed my entrepreneurial mindset but also reinforced the importance of strong leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning—principles I carry with me to this day.

How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?

My education profoundly shaped both my professional perspective and personal growth by broadening my understanding of leadership, innovation, and adaptability. The diverse experiences I encountered, particularly through the Hogan Entrepreneurs program during my Master of Business, pushed me to think critically about solving real-world problems and taught me the value of collaboration and resilience.
Working closely with exceptional faculty members in one-on-one settings played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to leadership. These interactions fostered not only a deeper understanding of business principles but also a strong sense of accountability and empathy—traits that have been integral in my roles as a Training Manager, Project Manager, and Instructional Designer.
On a personal level, the program instilled a growth mindset, encouraging me to continuously seek improvement and new opportunities for learning. This mindset has been a key factor in my success across various industries, from corporate training at Hawaiian Airlines to managing complex instructional design projects at Travelers Insurance. My education provided me with a well-rounded perspective, allowing me to blend creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking in everything I do.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Since graduating, I have been committed to continuously investing in my professional development through a combination of formal learning, hands-on experience, and personal growth. I actively use mobile and web technologies, alongside learning platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn Learning, to stay current with the latest industry trends and tools. Whether it’s mastering new instructional design methods or enhancing my leadership skills, these platforms provide valuable insights that I regularly apply in my role as a Training Manager at Hawaiian Airlines.
Beyond technical skills, I have also focused on expanding my spiritual and spatial awareness. Self-improvement podcasts have become a key part of my personal development, helping me cultivate mindfulness and emotional intelligence—qualities that enhance my ability to lead and collaborate more effectively at work. Additionally, by deep diving into the work I do, I’ve developed a stronger passion for creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences for others. This continuous learning approach keeps me motivated and allows me to adapt to new challenges with confidence.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My education has significantly influenced both my personal goals and achievements by encouraging me to think outside the box and equipping me with the leadership skills necessary to excel. The small, close-knit campus community allowed me to form meaningful connections and early networking opportunities within Hawaii. These relationships helped me build a foundation of trust and collaboration that has been invaluable in my career, particularly in leadership roles like my current position as Training Manager at Hawaiian Airlines.
Being mentored by outstanding professionals on campus not only enhanced my leadership abilities but also boosted my confidence to pursue opportunities I might not have considered before. The skills and mindset I developed gave me the courage to apply for challenging roles across diverse industries, from instructional design at HMSA to managing training programs at a major airline. My education empowered me to set ambitious goals and provided the tools to achieve them, both professionally and personally.